Neymar in Santos squad to face Sport, update on Thaciano | OneFootball

Santos has announced the squad for the match against Sport, valid for the 36th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The main news is the presence of Neymar, who participated in field training in recent days and is once again available to coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

The star is using a knee brace on his left knee after feeling discomfort in the area.

Neymar's Injury

The 33-year-old player felt knee pain during the match against Mirassol but remained on the field and played for 90 minutes. He scored a goal and committed a penalty in the 1-1 draw at Vila Belmiro.

Due to the pain, the number 10 was rested for the game against Internacional on Monday at Beira-Rio. On Tuesday, he went to São Paulo for tests. Since then, he has been closely monitored by the medical department.

Thaciano's Case

Thaciano, who was a starter in the last match, is not on the squad list. According to journalist Lucas Musetti from the UOL portal, the attacking midfielder is feeling pressured by his current situation at the club and has opted not to participate in the match.

However, Santos contested this information, stating that the decision on the squad is solely the responsibility of the coaching staff.

“Regarding the information circulating in recent hours about the athlete Thaciano, Santos Futebol Clube informs that all players in its professional squad are available and committed to helping the team in this decisive moment of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The club also clarifies that playing away or at home is not – and has never been – a criterion for selecting the squad. This matter is solely and exclusively up to the coaching staff,” clarified the club.

Other Absences

Lautaro Díaz, who did not play against Internacional due to discomfort in his right knee, trained with the squad and should be available.

On the other hand, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda will not be able to count on left-back Gonzalo Escobar, who has been diagnosed with a left thigh adductor injury.

Who Plays?

A possible lineup for Santos is: Gabriel Brazão; Igor Vinicius, Adonis Frías, Luan Peres, and Souza; Willian Arão, João Schmidt, and Zé Rafael; Neymar (Rollheiser), Barreal, and Lautaro Díaz (Guilherme).

Final Stretch

Santos has three more games to play this season. The Peixe faces Sport at Vila Belmiro, visits Juventude in Caxias do Sul, and ends the Campeonato Brasileiro by hosting Cruzeiro.

Currently, the team is at the top of the relegation zone with 38 points. The gap to Vitória, the first team outside the Z4, is just one point.

Next Santos Match

Santos vs. Sport (36th round of the Brasileirão) Date and time: 11/28 (Friday), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) Location: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)

Check out Santos' squad:

Goalkeepers: Diógenes and Brazão Defenders: Luan Peres, Zé Ivaldo, and Adonis Frías Full-backs: Mayke, Igor Vinicius, Vinicius Lira, and Souza Midfielders: Schmidt, Zé Rafael, Rincón, Neymar, Arão, Victor Hugo, Rollheiser, and Bontempo Forwards: Robinho Jr, Tiquinho Soares, Guilherme, Caballero, Lautaro Díaz, and Barreal

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.